LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer is expanding and increasing unemployment benefits to help more workers greatly affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
On Monday, under the federal CARES Act, the governor signed an agreement that grants benefits to workers who do not already qualify for state unemployment benefits. This includes those who are self-employed, 1099-independent contractors, gig, and low-wage workers who can no longer work due to COVID-19.
The agreement also increases weekly benefits for all unemployed workers by $600 a week for up to four months and extends benefit payments from 26 to 39 weeks.
In a statement, Governor Whitmer said, “The State of Michigan is dedicated to implementing measures to protect the health of all our residents and we understand financial health is critical as we meet this challenge together. This increase and expansion of unemployment benefits will provide a measure of security for Michigan working families who lost their income due to the pandemic. We are committed to ensuring emergency financial relief for unemployed residents who continue to stay home and stay safe.”
In addition, there is a new online filing schedule for unemployment benefits. Details can be found here.
More unemployment assistance information can be found at Michigan.gov/UIA.
